In 1659, François de Laval, age 36, landed in New France. As the first bishop of
the Québec diocese, which extended at the time from Acadia to Louisiana, he worked
to build the burgeoning Church.

This devoted shepherd often traveled great distances – on foot, by canoe and wearing
snowshoes – to visit and offer comfort to his flock. His deep devotion to the Holy
Family and the Holy Guardian Angels, coupled with his steadfast faith in Providence,
made him an inspiring spiritual leader.

This staunch supporter of education created the Séminaire de Québec – a community
of priests – and also founded the Petit Séminaire (for young boys), the Grand Séminaire
(where candidates for the priesthood were trained) and the Grande Ferme (a school
that taught the skilled trades).

He was also an adept administrator and seigneur whose work in developing Côte-de-Beaupré
ensured the financial stability needed to make his bold vision a reality.

Guided by his strong faith and unwavering principles, he spent two decades battling
the alcohol trade between the French and the Native Americans.

He died at the age of 85, in poor health and after much suffering. Since 1993, his
body has been resting in the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral funeral chapel.

This imposing figure, beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980 and canonized by Pope
Francis in 2014, has left the Québec church an invaluable tangible and spiritual
legacy.

His whose life was so pleasant to see, and whose memory will never die.

Funeral oration, May 9, 1708

Short extracts of his different writings.

By a few of his contempories such as Marie de l’Incarnation, Mr De la Colombière
and Brother Houssart.

When are becomes a Catholic bishop, he must choose his blazon and everything has
a meaning.

Process towals his canonization on four steps. He has one left...

Our publications, articles and interesting links on Msgr de Laval.

A way to better know Msgr de Laval by books or to make him known by offering souvenirs.